Triangle Figures - How to dress for your shape

Dressing for our body shapes can be a daunting task when the majority of us haven't a clue where to start.

With so many different colours, shapes and styles, how's a girl to know what to buy and where to begin.

Here a CHIC in the City we take it upon ourselves to lighten the fashion load, when it comes to figuring out what to wear. The most important principle to looking stylish and feeling fabulous is to discover the key elements of dressing for your shape.

Part 3 of our guide to the Dos and Don’ts of dressing for you body shape sets out to help you understand the main characteristics of a Triangle figure, or as it’s more commonly known the Pear. Following on from our last entry we aim to give you handy hints on how to maximise your features while minimising your flaws.

Triangle or Pear. You have the best of both worlds; you are smaller on the top and broader on the hips. This may be categorised by a small bust or large hips in comparison to body shape. You have a similar shape to celebrities such as Kate Winslet, Tyra Banks, Beyonce and Jennifer Lopez.

Dos

• Horizontal lines draws the eye upwards and gives the illusion of a larger bust area
• Draw attention to the shoulders and the away from larger hips with featured detailing such as epaulets
• Go for full sleeve at shoulder helps create shape and weight on your upper body
• Texture and patterns above waist draw attention upward
• Keep pants and skirts simple without too much details and minimum texture below waist
• Soft gathers in front of skirt to balance larger hips and hides the stomach area, if needed
• V-neck tops draw the eye upward and away from your lower half
• Opt for wider leg pants and fuller skirts for a streamline look

Don'ts

• Avoid detail below waist as it draws attention to your bottom
• Steer clear of high-waisted pencil skirts rather opt for A-line skirts with hemline detailing, which balance your shape

• Avoid capri style pants as they re-enforce the diamond shape wide-leg full lenght pants suit you best

• Stay away from tight tops as they draw attention to your smaller upper half and larger lower half
• Reduce attention to the rear and thigh areas by avoiding pale colours or detailing in this area
• Avoid long jackets that fall lower than your hips as this accentuates your bottom instead of hiding it

Does your body fit the mould of a triangle? We’d love to hear from you personally on how you dress to flatter your figure, and any tips you might have on how to hide those problem areas.